Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction 11/16/19

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, NBA

Expect a fast-paced game when the Houston Rockets (9-3) visit Minnesota to play the Timberwolves (7-5). The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 16, 2019, and will air on ATTSN Southwest.

Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds

The Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers in their last contest, 111-102, covering as 2-point favorites. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were blown out by the Washington Wizards, 137-116, and failed to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The Houston game finished 20 points under the projected point total of 233, while the Minnesota game finished 23.5 points over the projected point total of 229.5.

Houston played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 13.1) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.7 (above their season average of 21.0). For those same stats, Indiana had marks of 14.6 and 19.0, respectively. Minnesota, meanwhile, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (21-29; 72.4 percent). Minnesota rallied around Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded 36 points and 10 rebounds. James Harden had a solid performance for Houston, putting up 44 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

The Timberwolves edged out the Rockets in this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the most recent contest, Houston won 117-102. Houston had a better turnover percentage (8.2 vs. 12.1). Minnesota, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.174 vs. 0.106). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.

Matchups including the Rockets tend to go under the total (63.6 percent). Houston holds records of 9-3 straight up (SU) and 5-6 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Houston, Timberwolves games have typically finished over the total (72.7 percent). Moreover, Minnesota is 7-5 SU and 6-4-1 ATS.

The Rockets’ Harden has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 42 points,8.8 assists,6.8 rebounds,2.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Towns has averaged 25 points,12.4 rebounds,4.4 assists,1.4 blocks during that same time frame for the Timberwolves.

There should be a fair amount of transition action in this meeting that features a pair of the NBA’s more up-and-down teams. Minnesota ranks first in possessions per game (111.2) and Houston is fifth (108.8).

Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Rockets rank 10th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Timberwolves rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.8).
  • Minnesota ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (39.5) while Houston ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (36.8).
  • The Rockets average 14.8 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 21st in second chance points allowed per game (14.2).
  • Minnesota averages 47.0 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Houston ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (48.1).
  • Minnesota ranks 11th in assists per game (24.1) while Houston ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (25.3).
  • The Timberwolves rank fifth in points in the paint per game (52.8) while the Rockets rank 26th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.5).
  • The Timberwolves rank second in steals per game (9.8) while the Rockets rank 17th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
  • Minnesota averages 17.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Houston ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.7).
  • Houston ranks seventh in fast break points per game (15.3) while Minnesota ranks 26th (10.3).
  • In games where they allow under 100 points, Houston is 2-0 and Minnesota is 1-0.
  • The Timberwolves are 7-3 when they reach the century mark, while the Rockets are 9-3.
  • Minnesota is 2-2-1 ATS at home, while Houston is 3-3 ATS on the road.
  • In 6 road games, the Rockets have 5 unders and 1 over.
  • In 5 home games, the Timberwolves have 4 overs and 1 under.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Rockets are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 3-2.
  • In their last five games, Houston has 4 unders and 1 over, while Minnesota has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 3.1 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 117.6 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average).